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By Tshepo Ntsoelengoe

Football Journalist


Former Pirates star lauds signings

Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe is excited about the future of Orlando Pirates, especially looking at the club's new signings ahead of the 2019/20 season.


He is confident the Buccaneers will do well and he can’t wait to see new arrivals Fortune Makaringe and Tshegofatso Mabasa donning the famous black-and-white shirt.

Looking at Makaringe’s individual performances last season, also helping his former side Maritzburg United avoid relegation, Manenzhe is confident the midfielder will do well at Pirates.

“Makaringe is impressive and I think he will add value at Pirates. He did well last season and was also part of Bafana Bafana, which shows he is a really good player. He will suit the style of Orlando Pirates and he brings a lot of competition for other players in the midfield,” said the former Bucs striker yesterday afternoon.

READ: Pirates release Brazilian defender

Speaking about Mabasa, Manenzhe is optimistic that the 22-year old striker will get the goals for Pirates and having scored nine goals for his ex-club Bloemfontein Celtic in the previous campaign.

He has a knack for goals and I believe that he will really blend in well at the club. He can score goals and that’s what Pirates need.”

With the Buccaneers set to play arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the off-season Carling Champion Cup at the FNB Stadium on July 27, Manenzhe urges the Ghosts to vote Makaringe and Mabasa into the starting line-up so that the players can show what they will offer the team.

“The fans have to vote for them, this will be a good game to see what they bring to the team. It will be a true test for them coming up against a club like Kaizer Chiefs.

“I believe Pirates will do well in this game, looking at how they finished last season. The team have really improved in the last couple of years and I am sure next season they will have something to show for their efforts.”

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